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Perfect Peppermint Desserts for the Holidays

Updated November 28, 2016

The holiday season would not be complete without the cool, refreshing flavors of peppermint. The sweet and sometimes spicy taste perfectly compliments many holiday desserts to create a delicious treat. Keep warm with a minty mocha latte, or indulge in freshly-baked fudge peppermint cookies. You could even cool off with mint-marshmallow ice cream pie and peppermint patties. Everyone in your house is sure to enjoy these Christmas time recipes with peppermint.

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Peppermint Mocha Latte

This month, put your workday fuel to more rela use. A tiny drop of essential oil gives these chocolaty sippers a peppermint punch, while a cool microwave trick foams the milk, no frother needed. Like to spike? A splash of Kahlua or bourbon makes them all the merrier. Look for peppermint oil at Whole Foods or natural foods stores in the essential oils section. While we love very dark chocolates (80% percent or more), bittersweet works best here, making for rounder, smoother flavor.

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Fudgy Chocolate-Peppermint Cookies

Photo: Linda Pugliese

When a soft, fudgy cookie meets crunchy candy cane shards, it's a match made in heaven. Don't underestimate the beauty of a simple cardboard hat box (find one at your local craft store). Add a pop of color with a bright ribbon, and tag the recipe with a handwritten greeting.

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Peppermint-Marshmallow Ice Cream Pie

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Brushing melted ice cream into the pie plate "glues" the crust into place. Crushed chocolate wafers create the crust, while whole cookies define the edges of the pie.

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Chocolate and Peppermint Cookies

Photo: Randy Mayor

Enjoy the classic combination of chocolate and peppermint all year long in this simple, yet oh-so-good cookie recipe. For just 103 calories, you can taste all the deliciousness of a rich, minty flavor, without all the extra calories and fat. Bake until slightly underdone and allow to cool on the baking sheet for irresistibly soft, gooey cookies.

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Peppermint Patties

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

The peppermint candies should be coarsely crushed in a large zip-top plastic bag by lightly tapping them with a rolling pin or heavy skillet (a food processor would just pulverize them). You can substitute regular unsweetened cocoa powder in the cookies.

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Peppermint Cheesecake Brownies

Photo: Randy Mayor

These moist bars feature the seasonal pairing of peppermint and chocolate. They're sure to be a hit with everyone—children included—at your holiday party.

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Peppermint Ice Cream Cake

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Why go out and buy an ice cream cake when you can make one? The peppermint ice cream makes this cake unique, and the crushed peppermints on top make for a pretty presentation. Surprise a friend on their birthday or bring this festive cake to a Christmas party.

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Peppermint Brownie à la Mode

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Candy canes are everywhere this time of year, so put them to use in your cooking. This recipe blends them into chocolate chip ice cream to top a dense and chocolaty brownie. A hint of coffee flavor makes the brownie itself unique, and the minty topping is a sure-fire hit. If you really love peppermint, substitute mint chip ice cream for an extra dose of minty flavor.

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Peppermint Ice Cream

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Crushed peppermint candies turn this ice cream a soft pink. This is a great make-ahead recipe; if it's frozen solid, remove it from the freezer 30 minutes before serving so it can soften.

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Peppermint Stick Hot Chocolate

Photo: Jeff Kauck

After the kids have enjoyed their mug full and are tucked in bed awaiting Santa's arrival, consider adding a little mint liqueur such as peppermint schnapps or creme de menthe to give this kid-favorite a grown-up flair.